Development Consent / Complying Development Certificate - New South Wales

Service summary

You will require this approval if you intend to undertake development activities in New South Wales. This approval can be provided either through a Development Consent or a Complying Development Certificate, which cover a range of activities that include:

changing the use of land

subdividing land

undertaking building and construction work on public or private property (apart from public roads, which is covered by a separate approval)

demolition of a building or work

constructing a temporary entertainment structure.

Before you apply for a Development Consent or Complying Development Certificate, it is recommended that you contact Council for a Planning Certificate. This document contains important information about the property involved, such as environmental, heritage or planning restrictions.

There are three different categories of development in New South Wales:

Exempt Development (this includes activities such as minor, do-it-yourself, renovation work. For example, replacing the tiles in your bathroom or erecting a pre-fabricated structure such as a garden shed. Exempt development activities do not require Council approval);

Complying Development (if your proposed development meets the standards for a Complying Development Certificate, it can be approved through this fast tracked process. This certificate can be obtained if your proposed development meets predetermined standards. For example, maximum building height, length and width); and

Development Consent (more complicated development proposals must pass through the development application process).

If the development is approved under a Complying Development Certificate then the proposed work can commence. Once the work is complete, the Council will inspect the development to ensure that it has met the agreed guidelines and grant you final approval with an Occupation Certificate. Please note that building inspections may take place throughout the development process.

If the proposal is approved under a Development Application then you will not be able to commence your development until you have been issued a Construction Certificate. If Development Consent is in relation to constructing a temporary entertainment structure, you will not require a Construction Certificate before commencing. Once the work is complete, the Council will inspect the development to ensure that it has met the agreed guidelines and grant you final approval with an Occupation Certificate.

Service type

Licence

A licence defines the need to obtain recognition / certification and registration to undertake a certain business activity.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible, you must provide details such as the exact location of the proposed development, building height, access driveways, emergency evacuation plans, floor space ratios and noise management plans.

If your proposal relates to a residential dwelling you will need to submit a Building Sustainability Index Certificate (BASIX) with your proposal. BASIX is a web-based planning tool designed to incorporate a range of environmentally sustainable features into your development project. If your development application that relates to residential apartment development you may require a statement by a qualified designer.

If the application relates to Designated Development, an Environmental Impact Statement is required. Designated Development refers to developments which are high impact developments or which are located in or near an environmentally sensitive area. Designated Development does not include State significant development.

Please be aware that if your proposed development is in bush fire prone land, you may require a bushfire attack level (BAL) risk assessment. Please contact your local rural fire service for details.

The Council may also impose specific conditions on individual Development Consents.

Disclaimer

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only.

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make no representations or warranties (expressed or implied) in relation to the
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provided here is relevant to your particular circumstances.

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of anything done, or not done, by any such person in whole or partial reliance upon
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